Sourdough Trail

The first section of trail #835 runs north from the Sourdough Trailhead and climbs gently, sometimes on old roads. It gains 1,000' in this first three miles past Fourmile Creek and is fairly level for the next two miles. It climbs a couple switchbacks to the trail's highest point along the 10,200' contour.

The Sourdough Trail dips down, passing the Little Raven Trail and on to the Red Rock Trailhead. From the Brainard Lake Road, the trail continues to drop elevation by about 500' in two miles. It crosses South Saint Vrain Creek on a wide bridge, and intersects with the South Saint Vrain Trail #909 on the other side. The Sourdough Trail drops to cross National Forest System Road 113, and continues on to Beaver Reservoir. The trail continues on the other side of the Beaver Reservoir Road. It then joins with Buchanan Pass Trail near Camp Dick Campground.

General Information

Directions: From Nederland, travel seven miles north on Colorado Highway 72. Turn west onto National Forest System Road 298, signed as the turnoff for the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station. A parking area is not far on the left. Three other trailheads serve Sourdough Trail: Red Rock Trailhead, Beaver Reservoir Trailhead, and Middle Saint Vrain Trailhead.

Unless seasonal restrictions are in effect, campfires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch with the bare hand before being abandoned. Collection of dead and down wood is allowed; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood.

Unless seasonal restrictions are in effect, campfires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch with the bare hand before being abandoned. Collection of dead and down wood is allowed; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood.